Iontophoresis

What is Iontophoresis for Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)?

Iontophoresis is a safe and effective in-home treatment for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), particularly in the hands and the feet. It doesn’t require any invasive and risky surgery, painful injections, medications, or greasy lotions that are not generally effective. Iontophoresis that is effective in treating the hands and feet requires a prescription from a physician, which is usually easy to obtain. Be wary of any Iontophoresis device that does not require a prescription, as they may not be registered with the FDA. Also note that Iontophoresis devices powered by batteries typically do not produce enough current to yield satifactory results.

The R.A. Fischer Iontophoresis treatment device has been prescribed by hundreds of physicians worldwide, including physicians from The Mayo Clinic, Duke University Medical Center, and Georgetown University Hospital.

In medical terms, iontophoresis is defined as the topical introduction of ionized drugs into the skin using direct current (DC). However, use of iontophoresis with simple tap water has been documented as early as 1952, and later studies by Dr. Fred Levit and Dr. Lewis P. Stolman demonstrated its efficacy in the treatment of palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis.

Typical treatments consist of placing the hands (and/or feet) into two water baths, each with a connection to the Iontophoresis Unit. Current is applied typically for 10-20 minutes per session, initially with 2-3 sessions per week followed by a maintenance program of treatments at 1 to 3 week intervals, depending upon your response.

While the exact mechanism for the effects of tap water Iontophoresis on hyperhidrosis remains uncertain, recent research suggests that a parakeratotic plug is formed by the minerals contained in the tap water, blocking the duct without damaging the sweat gland. Dr. Stolman found Iontophoresis to be effective in about 83% of the subjects treated in his study.

Iontophoresis treatment has not shown to have any side effects, except in cases where a cut, sore, or wound in the hand or feet pre-existed, and the Iontophoresis treatment may have aggravated it. This side effect is easily avoidable by applying a petroleum based jelly (i.e. Vaseline) to the affected area prior to treatment. There have been no reported long term side effects of Iontophoresis for the treatment of Hyperhidrosis in the hands and feet.

The "Pros and Cons" of different Hyperhidrosis treatments on the market

We believe that no one should have to suffer from this debilitating condition. Our mission is to change the lives of people who suffer from Hyperhidrosis through the use of in-home prescription grade Iontophoresis treatments. The Fischer Iontophoresis devices offer a high success rate combined with the easiest and most cost effective treatment, with the least amount of potential temporary side effects.

Treatment

Pros

Cons

ETS Surgery

Permanent solution if it works

Horrible possible side effects (including death), and some side effects occur in almost all cases. If you go to YouTube and search "ETS Complications" you'll quickly realize that this surgery may not be right for you.

Antiperspirants

Relatively low cost, ease of application

Normally not effective as a sole therapy on the hands and feet

Botox

Can last up to almost 7 months without another treatment

Not permanent, can be very painful, can be very expensive, requires multiple visits per year to doctor

Anticholinergic Medications

Relatively low cost, ease of application

Not permanent, can have severe side effects, generally not completely effective as a primary therapy

Iontophoresis

Relatively low cost, ease of application, high rate of success, in home administration, limited temporary side effects

Not permanent - Requires maintenance treatments after initial treatment. The good news is that maintenance treatments can be as little as one treatment per month

Indications for Use

The MD Series Iontophoresis units are indicated for use in the treatment of palmar or plantar hyperhidrosis (abnormal sweating not related to exercise or resulting from another underlying condition) using the technique of tap water Iontophoresis.